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ALTOONA ― Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, in collaboration with the Iowa USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, has scheduled a workshop to train livestock producers and service providers on how to use the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation 2 (RUSLE2) and the Iowa Phosphorus Index for use in nutrient management and manure management plans.

The workshop will be held on March 20, 2013, at the Polk County Extension Office in Altoona, Iowa. The workshop starts at 9 a.m. and ends at 4:15 p.m.

This workshop is an introductory level, hands-on workshop that will provide the participant with software orientation. It also will introduce participants to the operating parameters, selection of input values, and developing and saving management operations for RUSLE2. In addition, real field examples will be used in the workshop to determine risk calculations of the Iowa Phosphorus Index and how to incorporate these numbers into manure and nutrient management planning requirements. Also included will be parameters for RUSLE2 and P Index calculations on snow-covered or frozen ground. Soil sampling requirements, common errors and the DNR’s review process will be discussed.

“Many livestock producers in Iowa have manure management plans that will need to be revised in 2013 to meet the requirement to update plans every four years,” said Angie Rieck-Hinz, extension program specialist. “This four-year plan requires new RULSE2 and P-Index calculations, and this workshop will be a great refresher for those producers who develop their own plans or for consultants who only develop a few plans.”

The cost of the workshop is $200 if registered on or prior to March 18; the registration fee is $225 after March 18. The workshop fee includes handout materials, a CD with software, refreshments and lunch. Because software will be provided, participants are required to bring an MS Windows compatible laptop equipped with a CD-ROM drive and Microsoft Excel Software. Participants must have their administrator password to the computer they bring in order to install software. The workshop is limited to 30 participants and walk-in attendees are not allowed.